According to statistical information, approximately 44% of inmates released from prison return to prison within the first year of their release.
If you have a loved one getting out of jail soon, you might want to help them avoid going back. You can do this by encouraging your loved one to go to a halfway house.
A halfway house is an ideal destination for someone who needs some help after getting out of prison, but it will take some work preparing for this event.
Do you want to help your friend or relative? If so, read this guide, as it can help you learn how to plan for this and what they'll need to bring to the house they choose.
What Is a Halfway House?
A halfway house is a place someone can move to when they need help learning how to live a normal life.
People who spend time in prison might seek a halfway house afterward, but people might also go to one after seeking treatment for drug addiction.
A halfway house is a place for rehabilitation. Living there provides structure and safety for people, yet it provides opportunities for them, too. Life after prison isn't always an easy feat, and it might benefit you if you prepare.
When you live in a halfway house, you must follow the halfway house rules. For example, you might not be able to leave until you've been there for a specific timeframe. You might not be able to have guests for a while, too.
You'll want to read through the rules before helping a friend choose one, and you'll want them to understand them, too. The rules are vital for the structure and safety of those living in the home.
How Do You Choose One?
Some areas might have several halfway houses to choose from, while others might not. You may want to begin by looking for a federal halfway house. If you're trying to help a woman, you can look for a halfway house for women.
You can base your decision on several things, including the location of the home, the rules, and the eligibility guidelines.
The person you're helping must apply to live in a halfway house, and there's no guarantee the home will accept them. The house will need to make sure the person meets the guidelines and has room for the person.
As a result, you might want to apply for several places from the start. Doing this might increase the chances of finding a place for your loved one faster.
What Does a Person Need to Stay There?
One of the goals of moving to a halfway house is to have transitional housing. Transitioning from prison or drug treatment to normal life can be a significant eye-opening event.
When a person seeks help like this, it might reduce their recidivism rate. In other words, living there for a while might increase the chances that this person can live a normal life without committing crimes.
A person who moves to a halfway house will need a few things. First, they'll need some clothing and personal hygiene products.
Secondly, they'll need the right mindset. They'll need to understand that they must follow the rules. They'll need to know that they're there for a reason, but they'll also need to understand it's temporary.
People tend to succeed more from halfway houses if they have the right mindset. Living in a halfway house might not be the dream a person had when they were young, but it might be the best option for them now.
What Are the Benefits of Staying at a Halfway House?
Living in a halfway house after a prison release offers many benefits. Here are a few of the main advantages of a halfway house over other options.
It Offers a Safe Environment
After being released, one trouble some inmates have is finding somewhere secure to live.
If they return to their normal lives before prison, they might be around the same temptations and problems. As a result, they might end up back in jail.
A halfway house offers a safe place to live in a controlled environment. Plus, they'll be around people they can relate to while living there.
They Teach Life Skills
One of the top benefits is that people living in halfway houses have access to learn life skills. After serving several years in prison, returning to a free, normal life isn't as easy as you might think.
Halfway homes emphasize the importance of learning life skills, and that's what they teach. They'll teach the residents how to get and keep a job, cook, and pay bills.
The residents learn how to avoid getting in trouble and how to stay drug-free. They'll learn many life skills that can help them succeed when they eventually move out and live independently.
Halfway Houses Drug Test
Most halfway houses also perform random drug tests to ensure that everyone follows the rules. When the residents know this, it might encourage them to avoid using drugs.
How Can You Support Your Loved One Through This Event?
If you're trying to find a place for your loved one, you might wonder how you can support them through this event. You can do several things to help them.
One thing you can do is to help them find a place to live. You can also assist them with getting there and obtaining all the things they need to live there.
Next, you can visit them and talk to them on the phone. You can show encouragement through these things and by supporting the halfway house financially if you can.
Learn More About Inmate Services
Going to a halfway house after prison offers a way to learn how to live a normal life in a controlled environment. Many inmates benefit by choosing this transitional housing option after their release.
If you're interested in completing an inmate search or learning more about the options for inmates, contact us at the Jail Exchange. We offer many services that might be helpful to you.
